Bookkeepers Conference Sessions

Are you prepared for the upcoming changes to TRS reporting? Public Act 100-0769 was passed August 10, 2018 to implement a voluntary defined contribution (DC) plan for TRS members. To accommodate this change, TRS is migrating from its current annual reporting process to pay-period based reporting. The anticipated reporting process change is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2020. Come and find out how this will impact your district!

Speaker:
Sandie Benhart Outreach Coordinator, Teachers Retirement System (TRS)

Whether you have a new boss, new responsibilities, a new software package or a new district, come learn some practical strategies to effectively deal with the only constant in our lives - CHANGE.

Speakers:
Ryan Domeracki Dir./Business Services, DuPage HSD 88
Kristin Smetana Assistant Superintendent, Riverside-Brookfield Twp. SD 208

Walk through through the components of the Pupil Transportation Reimbursement Claim including pupil headcount, mileage data, transportation expenditures and deductions, the depreciation schedule for district assets and the user guide and excel worksheets for completing the claim. Also hear recommendations on collecting information for the claim and suggestions on avoiding common errors.

Speakers:
Ed Brophy Asst. Supt./Operations, Forest Park SD 91
Nicole Hansen Purchasing & Transportation Supervisor, Twp. High Sch. Dist. 214

Learn effective strategies for dealing with difficult questions from employees.

Speakers:
Margaret Kyne Finance Manager, Union Ridge SD 86 
Alexa McNish School Accounting Manager, Adlai E. Stevenson HSD 125

Ever wonder why your auditors ask you questions about protocols for check disbursement? Or perhaps, why you have to create a new account for a grant? Take advantage of this opportunity to ask a distinguished panel of auditors many different types of questions.

Speakers:
Betsy Allen Audit Principal, Miller, Cooper & Co., Ltd.
Timothy Gavin CPA, Lauterbach & Amen, LLP
Andrew Mace Partner, Wipfli LLP

TRS has been working with the Gemini Project team to accommodate the change to the pension system to allow for voluntary defined contribution (DC) and as a result, employers must report earnings more frequently. Learn how to submit your creditable earnings file to TRS, receive information on troubleshooting and participate in a Q&A session.

Speaker:
Phyllis Besbekos Payroll/Benefits Coordinator, Cons. High Sch. Dist. 230

Come learn about the vital components to a flawless payroll cycle and find the answers to your burning payroll questions. This session is designed for those individuals relatively new to a payroll position or who assist with payroll that need to brush up on the basics of the payroll process.

Speakers:
Whitney Draegert Dir./Business Services, CSBO, Twp. High Sch. Dist. 113
Victoria Jenei Payroll Coordinator, Twp. High Sch. Dist. 113
Ali Mehanti Asst Supt./Finance, Twp. High Sch. Dist. 113

Got credit? In this session participants will learn best practices for utilizing school district procurement cards (pCards). All areas from adoption of school board policy and procedure, issuing cards to staff, making purchases, reconciling statements and presenting transparent purchase approval for board members will be presented.

Speakers:
Ivy Fleming Asst. Supt./Finance & Operations, Fremont SD 79
Howard Metz Partner, Robbins, Schwartz, Nicholas, Lifton & Taylor, Ltd.
Thomas Parrillo Chief School Business Official, Ridgewood CHSD 234

You know how to complete reports like the back of your hand and your invoices are coded correctly. Now learn all of the nuances and rules for federal grants related to the business office like capital asset tracking, interest income, time and effort monitoring and required policies needed to have a successful audit.

Speakers:
Stacey Corder Grants & Business Office Accountant, Harvard CUSD 50
Elizabeth Shields Internal Auditor, Joliet Public Elem. SD 86

How do I begin to understand all these payroll laws?  Learn about payroll laws and how other school districts are navigating current laws and proposed changes. 

Speakers:
Jessica Milligan Associate, Robbins, Schwartz, Nicholas, Lifton & Taylor, Ltd.
Brittany Tjardes Dir./Accounting & Fiscal Services, Adlai E. Stevenson HSD 125

Gain insight into the GATA CYFER reporting requirements and learn more about the impact to district financial statements due to the implementation of GASB 84 fiduciary activities.

Speakers:
Nick Cavaliere Partner, Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP
Joshua Schoot Dir./Financial Services, Comm. Cons. Sch. Dist. 181

Learn a variety of techniques for reconciling your liabilities and tracing anomalies or outstanding items. Be prepared to ask questions in order to develop best practices to share with your peers during the session.

Speakers:
Amy Curtin Business Manager, Glen Ellyn SD 41
Tera Wagner Dir./Finance, CSBO, Cons. High Sch. Dist. 230